Hunter Mahan triumphs at Houston Open

Hunter Mahan will be the number1 ranked American going into the US Masters this week, after a closely fought Houston Open, where the 29-year-old triumphed by a stroke.

Mahan's victory took him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and he will also hit fourth in the world rankings before the first big event of the year at Augusta National.

"I feel great," said Mahan. "I had the lead for most of the back nine and hit some clutch shots, especially on 18. It feels great."

A morale-boosting victory for the Californian should see him go into the Masters full of confidence, coming as it does barely a month after his win in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship where he topped one of the favorites for the major, Rory McIlroy.

"I'm playing good. I'm glad I'm going to Augusta, it's really a special place and I'm looking forward to going there."

Pettersson, who held the lead before a two-shot swing in the middle of the round put Mahan back on top of the leaderboard, also posted a 71 for 273. Tied for fourth place on 276 were the Americans Phil Mickelson (71), Keegan Bradley (71) and Jeff Overton (68) along with Britain's Brian Davis (74).